Efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered guns are described. In an embodiment, the gas-powered gun includes a lower receiver having a trigger assembly. The gas-powered gun may also include an upper receiver having a bolt assembly configured to operate in response to actuation of the trigger assembly, and a gas distribution assembly coupled to the bolt assembly, the gas distribution assembly configured to actuate the bolt assembly with a portion of gas used to fire a projectile.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the invention are directed, in general, to compressed gas-powered guns and, more specifically, to an efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun.

BACKGROUND

A variety of configuration of projectile guns, such as BB guns and pellet guns, exist. Some configurations are spring-loaded and use the mechanical energy of a spring to eject the projectile at a high rate of speed. Other configurations rely on compressed gas as the power source for ejecting the projectile from a barrel of the gun. Projectile guns exist in rifle configurations and pistol or handgun configurations. Additionally, there are currently single-shot configurations, semi-automatic configurations, and fully automatic configurations in existence.

Most compressed-gas guns use the compressed gas inefficiently. Previous designs of compressed-gas projectile guns are often lossy, or use more compressed-gas used with each shot than needed. Gas use efficiency is important, particularly for guns that operate on CO2 cartridges, and for automatic and semi-automatic guns. Gas losses can reduce the operation time on a compressed gas power source, and can increase cost of use.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered guns are described. In an embodiment, the gas-powered gun includes a lower receiver having a trigger assembly. The gas-powered gun may also include an upper receiver having a bolt assembly configured to operate in response to actuation of the trigger assembly, and a gas distribution assembly coupled to the bolt assembly, the gas distribution assembly configured to actuate the bolt assembly with a portion of gas used to fire a projectile.

In an embodiment, the trigger assembly includes a drop sear configured to at least partially rest on a surface of a shelf sear, the shelf sear being coupled to a trigger lever. In such an embodiment, the trigger assembly may also an auto sear configured to engage a portion of the drop sear to cause the trigger assembly to fire repeatedly until the trigger lever is released. Additionally, such an embodiment may include a fire mode selector switch configured to cause the auto sear to engage and disengage the drop sear. Additionally, the fire mode selector switch may be configured to be a safety selector switch, wherein when a safety mode is selected, the fire mode selector switch prevents the gun from firing. In an embodiment, the trigger assembly further comprises a valve striker configured to strike a valve stem for releasing compressed air from a high pressure chamber and discharging the gun. In such an embodiment, the drop sear is configured to engage the valve striker, and to release the valve striker in response to actuation of the trigger assembly.

In an embodiment, the bolt assembly further comprises a bolt carrier group. In one embodiment, the bolt carrier group may include a bolt lock piston. The bolt carrier group may further include a bolt lock regulator body. In such an embodiment, the bolt lock regulator body may include a bolt lock regulator poppet. The bolt carrier group may also include a bolt probe configured to receive a portion of the compressed gas used to eject the projectile from the gun. In such an embodiment, the bolt lock regulator poppet receives compressed gas through the bolt probe for actuation of the bolt assembly. The bolt lock regulator poppet may be adjustable. Also, the bolt carrier group may include a bolt lock bushing. The bolt assembly may also include a bolt bushing configured to receive at least a portion of the bolt carrier group and allow actuation one or more components of the bolt carrier group relative to the bolt bushing.

In an embodiment, the gas distribution assembly may include a high pressure chamber configured to receive compressed gas. The gas distribution assembly may also include a valve poppet configured to release the compressed gas in the high pressure port for ejecting the projectile from the gun. The gas distribution assembly may also include a valve stem coupled to the valve poppet, the valve stem configured to actuate the valve poppet in response to being struck by a valve striker. The valve poppet may be adjustable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun.

FIG. 2 is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a receiver assembly of an efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun.

FIG. 3 is an internal view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of internal components of an upper receiver for an efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of internal components of an upper receiver for an efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun.

FIG. 6 is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a bolt assembly of an efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun.

FIG. 7 is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a bolt assembly of an efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a bolt assembly of an efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a gas distribution block assembly of an efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun.

FIG. 10 is a cross-section view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a gas distribution block assembly of an efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun.

FIG. 11 is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a trigger assembly of an efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. One skilled in the art may be able to use the various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun 100. In an embodiment the gun 100 includes a lower receiver 102 coupled to an upper receiver 104. Additionally, the gun 100 may include a compressed gas power source 110 and a barrel 106. Optionally, the gun 100 may include a hand guard 108 a butt stock 112, and other optional components, such as a magazine 114, flashlight (not shown), optics (not shown), etc.

FIG. 2 is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a receiver assembly 200 of an efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun. In an embodiment, the receiver assembly 200 includes an upper receiver 104 and a lower receiver 102. The upper receiver 104 may be coupled to the lower receiver 102. In certain embodiments, the upper receiver 104 may be detachable from the lower receiver 102. In still other embodiments, the upper receiver 104 may swivel or otherwise operate with reference to the lower receiver 102. In such embodiments, the upper receiver 104 may be coupled to the lower receiver 102 by one or more pins, hinges, or the like.

In an embodiment, a handle grip 202 may be coupled to the lower receiver 102. Additionally, the lower receiver 102 may include a fire-safety selector switch 206 and a trigger 204. In some embodiments, the lower receiver 102 may include a magazine retention or release device 208 for retaining and releasing the magazine 114 relative to the lower receiver 102.

In an embodiment, a gas power source adapter 214 may be coupled to the upper receiver 104 and configured to receive a gas power source 110, such as a compressed gas bottle. The upper receiver 104 may also include an accessory attachment rail 210. For example, the accessory attachment rail 210 may be a Mil-Spec Picatinny rail configured to receive optional optics, flashlights, laser targeting devices, flashlights, etc. The upper receiver 104 may also include a housing 212 for receiving a bolt assembly and gas distribution assembly as described further below.

FIG. 3 is an internal view diagram illustrating one embodiment of an efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun 100. In an embodiment, the gun 100 may include a trigger assembly 302, a bolt assembly 306, and a gas distribution assembly 310. The gas power source adapter 214 may receive compressed gas from the gas power source 110. The gas may be used to operate the bolt assembly 306 in response to operation of the trigger assembly 302. The gas distribution assembly 310 may further utilize the gas to reset the bolt assembly 306 and/or reset the trigger assembly 302.

In an embodiment, the trigger assembly 302 may include a trigger 204 configured for manual actuation by a finger of a user. Additionally, the trigger assembly 302 may include a hammer 308 for catching and releasing the bolt assembly 306. The bolt assembly 306 may include a main spring 304 configured for mechanical actuation of the bolt assembly. The main spring 304 may be configured to provide a bias force to the bolt assembly 306 for biasing the bolt assembly 306 in a specific position. In an embodiment, the trigger assembly 302 may also include a striker linkage 312, coupled to a striker pin 316, which is coupled to a striker pin bushing 314. The striker linkage 312 may receive gas from the gas distribution assembly 310 and cause the striker pin 316 to actuate into a position that causes the striker pin bushing 314 to operate on the hammer 308 and or trigger 204, thereby resetting the trigger assembly into a cocked position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of internal components of an upper receiver 104 for an efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun 100. In an embodiment, the bolt assembly 306 includes a bolt bushing 402 with a cam lock slot 404. In an embodiment, a cam pin 406 coupled to the bolt carrier 410 may slide within the cam lock slot 404. In some embodiments, the cam pin 406 may lock within a lock notch 408 in the cam lock slot 404. The trigger assembly 302 may actuate the cam pin 406 within the cam lock slot 404 to release the cam pin 406 from the lock notch 408, which may allow the bolt 410 to move relative to the bolt bushing 402.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of internal components of an upper receiver 104 for an efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun 100. In an embodiment, the upper receiver 102 includes a gas power supply adapter 214 configured to receive gas from a gas power supply 110. In an embodiment, the gas may operate the bolt assembly 306. The bolt assembly may include a recoil buffer 502 coupled to the bolt carrier 410. The bolt may be coupled to the main spring 304 via spring guide 506. Additionally, a charging handle 504 may be coupled to the bolt carrier 410 for manual actuation of the bolt assembly 306. The gas distribution assembly 310 may be coupled to a gas transfer tube 508 configured to transfer gas for operation of the bolt assembly 306. The lower receiver 102 may include a trigger assembly 302 configured for release and retention of the bolt assembly 306 to cock and fire the gun 100.

FIG. 6 is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a bolt assembly 306 of an efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun 100. In an embodiment, the bolt assembly 306 includes a bolt bushing 402. The bolt carrier 410 may be configured to slide against a surface of the bolt bushing 402. The charging handle 504 may be used to cock the bolt assembly 306 by actuating the bolt carrier 410 relative to the bolt bushing 402 and compressing the main spring 304 along the spring guide 506. In an embodiment, the hammer cocking boss 606 may operate to cock the trigger assembly 302. Additionally, the bolt probe 608 may be inserted into a firing chamber by operation of the bolt assembly 306. The bolt probe O-ring 610 may seal the firing chamber, preventing leakage of air ejected from the bolt probe 608.

FIG. 7 is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a bolt assembly 306 of an efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun 100. In an embodiment, the bolt assembly 306 includes a recoil buffer 502 configured to guard against damage from the bolt cycling within the upper receiver 104. Additionally, the bolt assembly 306 may include a charging handle 504. The charging handle 504 may be coupled to a bolt lock piston 704. The bolt assembly 306 may also include a bolt lock regulator body 706. In an embodiment, O-rings 702 may be coupled to both the bolt lock piston 704 and the bolt lock regulator body 706 to prevent leakage of gas from the bolt assembly 306. A bolt lock spring 708 may bias the bolt lock regulator body 706 apart from a bolt lock bushing 710. In an embodiment, a setscrew 712 may be coupled to the bolt lock bushing 710 for tuning performance of the bolt assembly 306.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a bolt assembly 306 of an efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun 100. In an embodiment, the bolt probe 608 may include a probe transfer port 802. In an embodiment, compressed gas may be ejected through the probe transfer port 802 to launch a projectile from the gun 100. In some embodiments, a portion of the gas ejected through the probe transfer port 802 may cause the bolt lock regulator poppet 806 to release compressed gas into the space between the bolt lock piston 704 and the bolt lock regulator body 706 causing the two bodies to separate by a predetermined distance. The bolt lock pin 804 may hold the bolt lock bushing 710 in place, causing the bolt lock spring 708 to compress when the bolt lock regulator body 706 is actuated. The bolt lock regulator spring 810 may bias the bolt lock regulator poppet 806 into a closed position, thereby sealing off the probe transfer port 802 once the bolt lock regulator body 706 is in a predetermined position. In an embodiment, a bolt lock regulator adjustment screw 812 may be used to adjust the predetermined position settings which control the bias force from the bolt lock regulator spring 810 on the bolt lock regulator poppet 806. Such adjustments may control the rate at which the bolt lock regulator body 706 is actuated.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a gas distribution block assembly 310 of an efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun 100. In an embodiment, the gas distribution assembly 310 may include a distribution block body 902, which may house gas distribution valves and gas transfer tubes. In an embodiment, the distribution block body 902 may include a barrel port 904 configured to receive barrel 106. In some embodiments, the barrel port 904 may be threaded or grooved to retain the barrel 106 within the barrel port 904. In an embodiment, the distribution block body 902 may also include a transfer tube port 906. The transfer but port 906 may transfer a portion of the gas released to the bolt assembly 306 for actuation of the bolt regulator body 706. Additionally, the distribution block body 902 may include a valve stem 908 for receiving gas to actuate valves within the distribution assembly 310.

FIG. 10 is a cross-section view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a gas distribution block assembly 310 of an efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun 100. In an embodiment, the assembly may include the valve stem 908 and a transfer tube inlet port 906. Gas injected through the valve stem 908 may actuate a valve poppet 1010 allowing high pressure gas to be injected through the high pressure access port 1006. In an embodiment, the valve assembly, including the valve poppet 1010 may be accessible via the high pressure port plug 1012.

In an embodiment, the barrel retention setscrew 1002 may retain the barrel 106 within the barrel port 906. A distribution block anchor screw hole 1014 may be configured to receive a screw for holding the distribution assembly 310 within the upper receiver 104.

FIG. 11 is a side view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a trigger assembly 302 of an efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun 100. In an embodiment, the trigger assembly 302 may include a trigger lever 204 and a fire mode and safety selector switch 206 as described above with reference to FIG. 2. In a further embodiment, the trigger assembly 302 may include a valve striker 1108 coupled to the main spring 304. The main spring 304 may be coupled to a main spring guide 1126. In an embodiment, the fire mode and safety selector switch 206 may be coupled to a selector spring 1124. The selector switch 206 may be retained in position by a selector detent 1122. In an embodiment, the trigger assembly 302 may include one or more sear components. For example, the trigger assembly 302 may include a drop sear 1106, a shelf sear 1104, an auto sear 1110, or the like. Additionally, the sears may be coupled to sear springs. For example, the auto sear 1110 may be coupled to an auto sear spring 1114, the shelf sear 1104 may be coupled to a shelf sear spring 1116, and the drop sear 1106 may be coupled to a drop sear spring 1120. Further, the trigger assembly 306 may include one or more auto actuators 1102. The auto actuators may be coupled to the trigger 204 via an actuator link pin 1112. The trigger 204 may also be coupled to a trigger torsion spring 1118. The various springs may be used to bias each sear and the trigger 204 into predetermined positions.

In an embodiment, the drop sear 1106 holds the valve striker 1108 back, under spring tension when it's cocked. When the trigger 204 is pulled, the drop sear 1106 releases the valve striker 1108 and the valve striker 1108 strikes the valve stem 908, firing the rifle. In a semi-automatic mode, the auto sear 1110 engages when the drop sear 1106 is pulled. In such an embodiment, when the drop sear 1106 is pulled and the valve striker 1108 is released, the valve striker 1108 strikes the valve stem 908, and when the piston system moves the valve striker 1108 backwards in an effort to cock it, the auto sear 1110 engages, and holds the valve striker 1108 in place until the drop sear 1106 is reset (i.e. the user lets go of the trigger 206).

In an embodiment, the selector switch 206 is similar to an AR-15 type selector. For example, the selector switch 206 may operate as both a safety system and fire mode selection switch. It may include a series of half slots so that when turned or oriented in a certain way it can block the travel of the shelf sear 1104 to act as a safety, or raise up and engage/disengage the automatic fire linkage to act as a fire mode selector. In an embodiment, the selector switch fits the same form factor as a Mil-Spec M4/M16.

In an embodiment, the valve striker 1108 acts as a “hammer” of the trigger action. The valve striker 1108 may be held back under pressure from the main spring 304. When the trigger 204 is pulled the valve striker 1108 is freed and strikes the valve stem 908 with great force, allowing the valve poppet 1010 to momentarily open and cause the airgun 100 to discharge its projectile.

In an embodiment, the drop sear 1106 may hold the valve striker 1108 in place against the mainspring pressure and release the valve striker 1108 when the action is fired. The drop sear 1106 may hold all of the main spring tension in its locator pin so the sear itself is easily tripped, hence requiring very little force to trigger the much larger main spring force. In an embodiment, the drop sear's pivot point may be slotted around the locator pin to allow for front to rear movement of about 0.15 in. The drop sear 1106 may also have a drop sear spring 1120 that allows this sliding movement to happen automatically. The front portion of the drop sear 1106 may have a geometry that allows the auto sear 1110 to “catch” it and hold it until the trigger 204 is released or the bolt locks full forward for automatic fire mode.

In an embodiment, the shelf sear 1104 holds up the drop sear 1106 when the action is armed and releases the drop sear 1106 when the trigger 204 is pulled. The shelf sear 1104 may include a shelf sear spring 1116 on its front end pushing up and providing resistance to the lever. The shelf sear 1104 may also be configured such that the selector switch 206, when is safe mode, will impede its travel rendering the action un fire-able.

In an embodiment, the auto sear 1110 may move forward and backward against the auto sear spring 114. In such an embodiment, the auto sear 1110 may catch and hold the drop sear 1106 during the setting and resetting of the action after firing. In semiautomatic mode, the auto sear 1110 may release the drop sear 1106 when the trigger 204 is released by the shooter, allowing the shelf sear 1104 to get into a position to catch the drop sear 1106, preventing the gun 100 from runaway firing.

In an embodiment, the auto actuators 1102 may be linked to the movement of the trigger 204 such that when the trigger 204 is pulled they allow the auto sear 1110 to move into a position so it can catch the drop sear 1106 after the action has been fired. When the trigger 204 is released the auto actuators 1102 may move the auto sear 1110 into a position that allows the drop sear 1106 to be released only when the shelf sear 1104 is in a place to catch the drop sear 1106.

In an embodiment, the trigger 204 is the part the shooter touches and controls the firing of the weapon. When the trigger 204 is pulled it rearward end travels upwards and acts on the rearward end of the shelf sear 1104, thus firing the weapon. The trigger 204 may have a torsion spring 1118 that provides resistance on the trigger 204.

In an embodiment, the trigger assembly 302 may be operated by a shooter by pulling the trigger 204. In such an embodiment, when the trigger is pulled rearwards by the shooter, the rear part of the trigger 204 moves upwards acting on the rear portion of the shelf sear 1104. The auto actuators 1102 may move in sequence with the trigger 204 to position the auto sear 1110. The trigger 204 may be pulled far enough back so that the “shelf portion” of the shelf sear 1104 no longer supports the drop sear 1106 and the drop sear 1106 falls downwards releasing the valve striker 1108.

Upon release of the valve striker 1108, the drop sear spring 1120 can now act on the drop sear 1106 pulling it rearwards a measured amount and also drawing the rear of the drop sear down 1106 and the front of it upwards, resting the catch on the auto sear 1110. As the valve striker 1108 slams forward under mainspring pressure, the valve may fire. The action cycles and the valve striker 1108 is pushed back by the bolt assembly 306. As the valve striker 1108 pushes over the drop sear 1106 its front portion is allowed to travel down and out of the way so the sear portion and once again be engaged by the valve striker 1108. The main spring force may then take over and the valve striker 1108 may begin moving forward, driving the drop sear pivot point to the forward part of the slot and finally allowing the catch to rest on the auto sear 1110.

In semi-automatic mode, the action may stay in this orientation until the trigger 204 is released by the shooter, causing the auto sear 1110 to move rearwards via the auto actuators 1102 and thereby allowing the drop sear 1106 to come to rest on the shelf sear 1104. The action has now been reset and is ready to fire again. In full auto mode, the auto sear 1110 is pushed forward by connection linkage when the bolt is full forward and locked, thereby releasing the drop sear 1106 fully and allowing the valve striker 1108 to release, cycling the weapon until the trigger 204 is released.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention. 

1. An efficient high-velocity compressed gas-powered gun, comprising: a lower receiver having a trigger assembly; an upper receiver having: a bolt assembly configured to operate in response to actuation of the trigger assembly; and a gas distribution assembly coupled to the bolt assembly, the gas distribution assembly configured to actuate the bolt assembly with a portion of gas used to fire a projectile. 2-7. (canceled)
 8. The gas powered gun of claim 1, wherein the bolt assembly further comprises a bolt carrier group.
 9. The gas powered gun of claim 8, wherein the bolt carrier group further comprises a bolt lock piston.
 10. The gas powered gun of claim 8, wherein the bolt carrier group further comprises a bolt lock regulator body.
 11. The gas powered gun of claim 8, wherein the bolt lock regulator body further comprises a bolt lock regulator poppet.
 12. The gas powered gun of claim 11, wherein the bolt carrier group further comprises a bolt probe configured to receive a portion of the compressed gas used to eject the projectile from the gun.
 13. The gas powered gun of claim 12, wherein the bolt lock regulator poppet receives compressed gas through the bolt probe for actuation of the bolt assembly.
 14. The gas powered gun of claim 13, wherein the bolt lock regulator poppet is adjustable.
 15. The gas powered gun of claim 8, wherein the bolt carrier group further comprises a bolt lock bushing.
 16. The gas powered gun of claim 8, wherein the bolt assembly further comprises a bolt bushing configured to receive at least a portion of the bolt carrier group and allow actuation one or more components of the bolt carrier group relative to the bolt bushing.
 17. The gas powered gun of claim 1, wherein the gas distribution assembly comprises a high pressure port configured to receive compressed gas.
 18. The gas powered gun of claim 17, wherein the gas distribution assembly further comprises a valve poppet configured to release the compressed gas in the high pressure port for ejecting the projectile from the gun.
 19. The gas powered gun of claim 18, further comprising a valve stem coupled to the valve poppet, the valve stem configured to actuate the valve poppet in response to being struck by a valve striker.
 20. The gas powered gun of claim 18, wherein the valve poppet is adjustable. 